Valanciunas on Leonard trade
Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas has praised DeMar DeRozan following his trade to the San Antonio Spurs involving Kawhi Leonard.
The Spurs traded Leonard and Danny Green to the Raptors for DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round pick.
And Valanciunas says no one was to blame for the trade, despite Leonard all but forcing the move.
“It’s a business. You never know in the NBA,” Valanciunas said.
“Maybe now while I’m talking all the papers are set and I’m moving to Detroit.
“You just never know in this business.
“DeMar was really great, loyal player. But I think you can’t blame anybody.”
Leonard has an option in his contract to become a free agent next summer, with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers linked with the small forward.
Anderson pay cut
Ryan Anderson took a pay cut to complete his move to the Phoenix Suns, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski claims.
Following the trade that sent Anderson and De’Anthony Melton to Phoenix for Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight, Wojnarowski tweeted: “To clear the way for a trade out of Houston, Ryan Anderson agreed to reduce the guarantee on his $21M salary in 2019-20 to $15.6M, league sources told ESPN.
“For the Suns, the $15.6M represents Brandon Knight’s salary for the 2019-20 season.
“Anderson will be the Suns starting power forward, and front office will continue to pursue trade scenarios to bring on a starting-caliber point guard before start of season.”
Wade decision?
Dwyane Wade is likely to return to the Miami Heat for the 2018-19 season, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald claims.
Jackson claims sources who have spoken to Wade have the impression the guard is inclined to play this season.
Wade, 36, could retire before the start of the season.
The three-time NBA champion also has a lucrative offer to play in China.